Anglican Maori Bishopric and Diocesan Synod’s Decision

Grey River Argus, 12 April 1948, Page 5

Anglican Maori Bishopric and Diocesan Synod’s Decision

P.A. GISBORNE. April 11 The Bishop of Aotearoa, Kt. Rev. F. W. Bennett, was given an informal farewell by clergy and laity at the triennial meeting ot the Native Christchurch Boards Anglican Waiapu Diocese on Saturday night. Dr Kennett leaves shortly for London and Amsterdam to attend the Lambeth conference and World Conference of Churches. , . . o . Mr Honi Ngata, brother of Sir Apirana Ngata, said Maori’s deeply appreciated the honour of Bishop Bennett’s representation, but they valued even more which work he was performing among his own people. Gilts of cash towards the expenses of the Bishop’s trip were made; by Maori delegations, and in acknowledging them Dr Bennett referred to contributions from Nelson, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Waiapu dioceses totalling over £4OO. I'he additional latest gifts, including those ,rom .Turanga Te Kaha district, Wanganui, and the Arawas, would be welcomed. The Bishop of Waiapu, Dr Lesser, wished his Maori colleague bon voyage and a rich experience. _ The synod adopted a submission referring to the possibility of a vacancy occurring in the Maori Bishopric, and expressing the desire that in such an even Dr Bennett’s successor should also be a member of the Maori race. The synod approved of a proposal to re-establish Terau College in Gisborne for the training of students for the Maori ministry. The proposal is to be submitted to the standing committee for presentation to the Anglican general synod. The proposal was submitted by Sir Apirana Ngata. Speakers indicated that the board and trustees held approximately £llOO from the old institution (which has been sold and removed some years ago) which would form the nucleus of a fund for a new institution. The synod recommended the board of trustees to appropriate £20,000, of which the Maoris would be expected to provide £5OOO. to extend the accomodation at Te Aute college and Hukarere school to take the maximum numbers of pupils, which were fixed at 150 for Te Aute and 130 for Hukarere.